Latest Ratings

In short: It says tough it was toughIn full: The pre race information was very good with regular email updates. The regular warnings about using the toilets provided rather than the side of the road left me concerned about hoards of villagers with cameras waiting to catch the miscreants in action.On arrival there was a well marshalled large field for parking and a short walk to the race HQ at The Swallow Inn. Collection of numbers and chip timers was easy and quick.The race information was given on a village green and then a little trot or walk up a hill to the start. Anyone who tells you that Lincolnshire is flat has never been to the Wolds! The course saw serious hills between miles 3 and 4 as well as 6 and 7. Then just as you think you have done the hills another one hits you just before mile 8. Once you have reached 9 it has to be downhill again, yes, to a point. Then a shorter one finishes you off. A good and welcoming finish back at The Swallow with a bottle of water, running shirt and hot sandwich with a massage if you want to queue.The course had an abundance of signs and loads of cheerful marshals. I found those at marshal point 10 and 18 particularly vocal in a positive way.It was tough but that was how it was advertised and would consider doing it again.Date of review: August 30, 2014

In short: Great pre race information, marshals and scenery but hard as nailsIn full: I entered this race to be in the same race as one of my sons. The pre race information was good and I was kept up to date by email. My son collected my number on the Saturday so I did not need to register.On arrival there was plenty of parking, toilets and entertainment for all the family. The race started on time and immediately we were on an uphill climb within the grounds of Hitchin Priory, down then up before leaving the park.It may be my recollection but this course always seemed to be going up or down. Some slight and long but some incredibly steep. This was not hard it was horrendous!There were five water stations and very welcome on this very hot day. The marshals were inspiring and the spectators supportive. We passed two pubs on this course and I have to say I was tempted!This is a well organised event but not for the feint hearted.Date of review: June 22, 2014

In short: Well organised, great Marshall's but not flatIn full: Let's say the heat today did not lead to a PB for me. I had entered hoping as worst case scenario for 3.59 with a real hope of 3.45. The race started well with half runners and full runners starting together. This is not a problem other than many runners who could not do a great time starting at the front or near to and left a lot of dodging and weaving. The other thing is that the pace makers, great idea had blue balloons to say who they were but their pace was on their shirt so difficult to find the pace one wanted. The first 10 miles is very much on closed roads with brilliant and enthusiastic Marshall's. Then the two parts separate. I was pleased with my time up to 12 miles and ahead of the time I was hoping for. Unfortunate land not the fault of the organisers is that we had the hottest day of the year and the heat got to me. My time from 12 onwards went down hill. This is also an event advertised as flat - this was not flat with some very long hills. It is important here to use the downhills to your advantage. The finish is in Stadium MK, a great ending. Spectators were very supportive all the way round and the off road aspect is very scenic, though don't ask me where have been in Milton Keynes today!Overall well organised, great Marshall's, fantastic spectators and a scenic route. Too hot for me but a nice medal after running around Stadium MK.Date of review: May 5, 2014

In short: Great views, tough hills and well organisedIn full: This is the first time that I have entered this race. Signing up was easy but I did have to check with the organisers that I had entered rather than just imagined it. Lots of information came by e-mail as race day approached and there was a Facebook page to look up as well. Race day was a lovely warm one so no gloves or double shirt for a change. The race starts and finishes in the sports ground and there are loads of facilities there including, changing, food, toilets and somewhere to sit as well as an easy pick up of numbers and chip. The race itself takes you out into the country, along the canal and up two steep hills. An opportunity to overtake or walk quickly, I chose the overtakes. The marshalls were great and there was plenty of water stations. Much of the route has little support but on entering the track at tje end there was a good and supportive crowd. Well done Grantham for a good Sunday morning event.Date of review: March 17, 2014

In short: Well Organised and wonderful atmosphereIn full: I had not run a marathon for 30 years and decided that 2013 was going to be my second. In addition I had never been to Jersey and therefore the opportunity for both was the driver to tackle this one.16 weeks of training however was nearly wrecked by a calf strain in the latter part of week 15 but with two sessions of physio and strapping for the event I was all set to go.A downside to the race, if there is such a thing is that you have to register on Jersey as the number and chip are not sent out. When initially booking ferries and hotel I had not realised that and almost missed the opportunity to register and ended up having to alter the outgoing ferry and booking another night in the hotel. Having arrived on the Friday afternoon I went to register at the marathon village. I arrived early but the really nice people at registration gave me my envelope before the due time - thanks for that. Now the envelope basically contained my number and a chip, most organisations now send these out to runners and perhaps the organisers could consider that for the future.The pasta party was a good opportunity to carb up but also to meet other runners and to realise that they too have the same degree of trepidation you do. The food was good though the servers did not seem to understand what was expected of them and the owner/ manager of the catering had to continually tell them.The day of the race and a short walk from the hotel to the start for me.The race takes the runners through the town of St Hellier and then out into the country before returning along the seafront. At 1.5 miles unfortunately my calf started to cramp up and caused a lot of pain but I had come to Jersey to run and I was determined to finish, though my hope of 3.50 hours was dashed.The first four miles are fairly flat but then you are taken up fairly steeply and a lot of the runners who had dashed off found the climb difficult. Once at the top though there is slight undulation but mainly flat. All along, even in the smaller hamlets there was amazing support and brilliant marshalls. The run takes the runner around the airport and then almost to the 'Lands End' of Jersey before heading back. From mile 21 for about two miles there is a wonderful downward stretch, again steep but gives the opportunity of regaining a bit of speed.At the base of the hill is the seafront and then a few miles to the end still with brilliant support and as you approach the finish the road and the run in are crammed with people willing you on.At the finish there is an area for runners to collapse and also obtain water before moving into the tent to collect your tee shirt, goody bag and medal.There are about twelve water stations on route and some have the choice of poweraid as an alternative.Personally I didn't like having the marathon relay running at the same time but only because after change over 2 for the relay I was being overtaken on a regular basis by relay runners which I found off putting.The calf? I made it to the end in 4.17.12, disappointed but at the same time pleased that I had achieved my goal despite the constant pain.Date of review: October 14, 2013

In short: Very hilly with great marshalls and well organisedIn full: The race itself starts in the town centre and registration took place at The Eastgate Pub. A good location for refreshment and toilets prior to the event.The race started on time and is downhill and then flat for the first 4 miles. The only issue happened early on when we turned into a road being dug up and the majority of runners funnelled through a narrow gap. Don't be fooled by the downhill though as between 4 and 5 and 7 and 8 miles there are very testing uphill stretches, steep and long.The marshalls were enthusiastic and supportive and there was plenty of water stations.Overall a good run out on a warm morning.Date of review: September 22, 2013

In short: A good run around Regents ParkIn full: I live in Lincolnshire and entered this race as I was coming down to London anyway. That said from the time I entered to race day the organisers kept in touch by e-mail and instructions and my number arrived in plenty of time. The race itself is chip timed and I look forward to the accurate result. The event involves three loops of Regents Park and as the event does not involve the closure of the park and negotiating walkers and dogs was from time to time a challenge. The weather was good, not too hot and not too cold and the marshals were friendly and there was no chance of getting lost. Well done organisers I look forward to another event in the future.Date of review: August 11, 2013

In short: Well organised with a great atmosphereIn full: The pre race organisation was superb, my number arrived in good time together with a sheet giving me all the advance detail I would need. On arrival at the sports ground it was easy to park and find friends. We were led to the start by marshalls with large banners and the start was marked with pens to indicate potential times. The weather was warm and the race got underway. The marshals were encouraging and from time to time spectators were out in the villages. Upon arriving back in Long Bennington there was a lot more spectators and encouraged runners to a fast finish. Although this was not my best time I enjoyed the event and the bottle of beer at the end is a nice touch. Changing facilities are available here but I have to say with about 20 men in a small room changing was a bit of a challenge. I will certainly be looking to enter again next year. Well done Grantham!Date of review: June 24, 2013

In short: A good turn out on a sunny morningIn full: This is the third time I have run this race and each year it becomes more popular. The organisation before the race was very good and I received my number and instructions early. Car parking this year was away from Jubilee Park and this led to a fair walk into the park and then out again for the start. The route itself is not spectator friendly until you get back into Woodhall Spa but from time to time within villages people have come out to applaud. At the end there is an inspirational number of spectators leading to sprint finishes. The views as you run round the route are good and there is room for overtaking if you want to after the first 500 metres. A bottle of water, medal and a BBQ with friends at the end.Date of review: June 2, 2013

In short: Shame about distance but still a good runIn full: The organisers could do nothing about the bridge and I found it amusing that when the announcement came that the distance had been shortened there was a sigh from the front runners and a cheer from those at the back.This is my second running of this event and last year was cold and wet but was the first time I had broken 50 minutes. This time looking at my time and adjusting I would have been under 46, never mind.The atmosphere from spectators varied from place to place but overall supportive. I will be signing up for next year.Date of review: May 19, 2013